Assemblyman Phil Palmesano co-sponsored a resolution in the state Assembly proclaiming April as Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month in New York. The resolution was unanimously adopted.

"As someone who has seen firsthand a family member benefit from kidney donation and the impact it has had on her quality of life, I would encourage everyone to consider giving the gift of life and registering as an organ donor," said Palmesano. "There are so many individuals and families whose lives have been touched in positive ways by this selfless act, and it is so critically needed."

There are nearly 8,000 people awaiting organ and tissue transplants throughout New York, and more than 113,000 across the nation. Only 18 percent of New Yorkers age 18 and over have enrolled in the New York State Donate Life Registry as organ, tissue and eye donors. Nationally, the average is 42 percent. An individual donating at the time of his or her death can help as many as 50 people, Palmesano noted.

Individuals who would like to become donors can sign up online at the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry at their Web site.